论隐喻与语言符号的象似性

On Metaphor and Iconicity of Language Signs

语言的任意性和象似性是语言学界和哲学界一直有争议的论题。莱考夫和约翰逊提出的概念隐喻理论阐明了概念域间的映射机制。概念域的映射使语言符号之间建立了关联关系。符号之间基于相似点的关联关系说明语言具有象似性。隐喻被视为语言概念体系的核心,通过研究隐喻的映射机制可以说明在语言体系中,任意性和象似性共同存在,并具有对立统一的辩证关系。

Randomicity and iconicity of language are controversial topics in linguistics and philosophy.Conceptual domain theory put forward by Lakoff and Johnason illustrates the mechanism of mapping among conceptual domains.The mapping of conceptual domain makes language signs establish associative relation.The associative relation among signs based on similar points shows that language has iconicity.Metaphor is considered as the core of language conceptual system.Therefore,the research on mapping mechanism of metaphor can show that randomicity and iconicity coexist in language system and have dialectical relationship with unity of opposites.